8 Ways to Get in the Mood

You’re a master juggler, but between work, friends and family, the truth is sometimes nooky is the last thing on your to-do list. Well, it’s about time you take your sex life off the backburner and heat things up in the bedroom (and shower, kitchen, dining room...). Here's a cheat sheet for getting (and staying) in the mood.

1. Play with Toys

Ladies, the next time your guy is walking the dog or taking a shower, take those few minutes to dig into your goodie drawer. Get a head start with your vibrator and you’ll be ripping his clothes off when he’s back.

2. Make Out

Remember high school, when the greatest-thing-in-the-whole-wide-world was making out underneath the bleachers? Put a ban on the quick pecks and make sure every kiss lasts at least 10 seconds -- even if it’s just a “see you in five minutes” smooch.

3. Rent a Sexy Movie

It doesn’t have to be porn -- just find a movie that has a hot sex scene. We like Y Tu Mama Tambien (foreign languages and Diego Luna? Yes please!) and Unfaithful.

4. Fantasize

Write down your erotic fantasies and share them with each other. Now is not the time to be shy -- he’ll love hearing your inner desires, and have an even better time making them a reality.

5. Get Steamy

Nothing says sexy better than being hot, wet, naked and surrounded by steam. (Bonus: You’ll get a facial at the same time!)

6. Hold a Private “Game Night” for Two

Game nights don’t have to be just mellow nights in with a Scrabble board. Spice things up with Foreplay Connect, an erotic game that encourages, should we say, bad behavior (i.e., four in a row really scores). Or try Sexopoly, with risky and frisky cards telling you to do stuff like remove another player’s clothes with your teeth. And really, any classic game can be made sexy by adding the word “strip” to it (strip Go Fish, anyone?).

7. Treat Him to a Rubdown

Start with his shoulders -- he’ll be so into it, and that’ll make you into it. Before you know it, you’ll be in the mood for more than just a foot massage.

8. Take a Staycation

Hotels aren’t just good for family visits and holidays. Splurge for a night at a local hotel. You’ll feel scandalous getting down in someone else’s bed, and the “do not disturb” sign guarantees hours of uninterrupted pleasure.

Thanks to sex coach Kim Switnicki and Debby Herbenick, research scientist at Indiana University and author of Because It Feels Good: A Woman's Guide to Sexual Pleasure and Satisfaction.